Tito Vilanova & Pep Guardiola

Francesc Tito Vilanova i Bayó (17 September 1968 – 25 April 2014) was a Catalan manager and footballer who played as a central midfielder. Josep Pep Guardiola i Sala (born 18 January 1971) is a Spanish football manager and former player.5.0/5

A different discourse. Lionel Messi's claims that he no longer knows whether his long-term future lies at Barcelona are fruit of the forward's growing frustration at the Catalan club. Once a marriage made in heaven, Messi and Barca could now be set for an unhappy break-up. The Argentine attacker has always said he wants to retire at Camp Nou or at least stay until late in his career before ending up at boyhood club Newell's in Argentina, but he has now changed his tune. On Tuesday, he told Argentine sports daily Ole that he does not know what the future holds. And it was no coincidence. Amid the criticism under compatriot Gerardo Martino, Messi contemplated leaving Barca last season and even expressed his concerns to former coach Tito Vilanova in a visit to the former Blaugrana boss before his death in April. Vilanova convinced Messi to stay less than a week prior to his passing but the player and his team still studied an offer from Paris Saint-Germain and would now be open to considering a move next sum ...

17 Sep 2014 03:01

Barcelona have announced that a pitch at the club's training ground is to be named after former coach Tito Vilanova, who died earlier this year. - Tomas: Luis Enrique's Barcelona emerging from shadow of last season Vilanova passed away in April aged just 45, after a long battle with cancer. The former Blaugrana midfielder was assistant to Pep Guardiola for four trophy-laden seasons, before taking the top job himself and guiding the team to the 2012-13 La Liga title with a record tally of 100 points. The Girona-born coach then had to step down from the position in the summer of 2013, when it became evident that it was impossible for him to continue given the gravity of his illness. His passing just months later was marked by an outpouring of grief from Blaugrana players and fans. The decision to remember Vilanova in this way was announced in a club statement released after Tuesday's board meeting at the Camp Nou. "The board gave its unanimous approval of the proposal to rename pitch number one at the Ciuta ...

27 May 2014 02:45

Following in the footsteps of giants is never easy . Brian Clough lasted 44 days when he replaced Don Revie at Leeds United , while David Moyes was just able to sit on the throne 11 months Manchester United . Indeed , Bob Paisley , Liverpool were able to provide higher performance than Bill Shankly . But it was not separated from one record . That in the first few months to train Paisley , Shankly was forced exiled from Liverpool , so his successor could not continue to live under the shadow of its predecessor . Yes , in the history of football , there are only a few names that could replace " the giant " . One is Tito Vilanova . In Barcelona trip sheets , Tito himself was only able to continue the struggle Pep . In the eyes of the fans , he loved even as big as the one of the best coaches of all time Barca . Maybe it's because Tito is not just a replacement for the giant , but also his friend . Both Pursue Career In the course of his career as a player , Tito Vilanova is actually not as bright as the for ...

14 May 2014 15:02

Victor Valdes has bid goodbye to Barcelona in an emotional letter on the club's official website, thanking former coaches Louis Van Gaal, Frank Rijkaard, Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova for supporting him over the years.Read More

28 Apr 2014 22:08

Memorial service held for Vilanova A memorial service took place on Monday for Former BarcelonaHead Coach Tito Vilanova, who died on Friday. Vilanova, who served as assistant to Pep Guardiola before taking charge of first-team affairs at Camp Nou, passed away at the age of 45 following a lengthy battle with throat cancer. After succeeding Guardiola for the 2012-13 season, Vilanova guided Barca to the Liga title with a club-record haul of 100 points. However, his sole campaign in charge was interrupted by illness and he was forced to step down last July. The club confirmed on Friday that Vilanova had passed away and mourners - including his family - gathered at a packed Barcelona Cathedral on Monday to pay their respects. Cardinal Archbishop of Barcelona Lluis Martinez Sistach led the ceremony, which was attended by members of the club's playing staff, including Carles Puyol, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Victor Valdes. Representatives from the board of directors were also present, with president Josep Maria B ...

28 Apr 2014 18:48

Heartbreaking story about Pep Guardiola's reaction to the loss of Tito Vilanova.

28 Apr 2014 18:21

Tito Vilanova: Footballer and coach who with Pep Guardiola oversaw the most successful era in the history

28 Apr 2014 02:16

selamat jalan VILANOVA ... Tito Vilanova, the soccer coach who succeeded Pep Guardiola at Barcelona and won the Spanish league title in his only season in charge, died Friday of throat cancer. He was 45.

28 Apr 2014 00:11

Pep Guardiola during a moment of silence for Tito Vilanova before the Bayern-Werder Bremen game

in 2012, Pep Guardiola announces he will leave the club at the end of the season. Tito Vilanova will replace him.

27 Apr 2014 12:44

Pep Guardiola mourns the death of Tito Vilanova during Bayern ...

27 Apr 2014 12:42

Pep Guardiola says the death of Tito Vilanova will affect him for the rest of his life

27 Apr 2014 12:35

Pep Guardiola dedicating the best manager award to Tito Vilanova:

27 Apr 2014 09:45

Pep Guardiola has said the death of his former assistant at Barcelona, Tito Vilanova, will "stay with him forever"...

27 Apr 2014 08:10

''We were young,we wanted to beat the world and we did''..Pep Guardiola's sentiments after hz side brushed-off Werder Bremen 5-2..admiting that it wz hard following the game bcs of the death of hz close frend Tito Vilanova..the duo had a remarkable spell @ Barcelona making the Catalans Club a force to reckon in European Football(R.I.P Tito)

27 Apr 2014 07:39

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola admits it was tough focus in his side's 5-2 win over Werder Bremen following the death of his close friend, Tito Vilanova.

27 Apr 2014 06:23

MOVING Press Conference IN MEMORY OF TITO VILANOVA Guardiola: "The Sadness I feel will stay with me Forever" Pep Guardiola ended the Press Conference after Bayern Munich's win over Werder Bremen by remembering his great friend Tito Vilanova. Clearly emotional, the Catalan coach took the opportunity to offer his condolences to Vilanova's family: "To his father, Joaquim; his mother, Maria Rosa; his wife, Montse; his daughter, Carlota; and his son, Adrià... My condolences, and those of my parents, siblings and the rest of my family." "We knew each other from a very young age and shared many things; we lost and won together. We wanted to take on the world, and we did. All I can say is that the pain I feel will stay with me forever," Guardiola remarked. The entire Bayern coaching staff, headed by Guardiola and his assistants - Manel Estiarte, Lorenzo Buenaventura, Domènec Torrent and Carles Planchart -, worked alongside Tito Vilanova during his time at Barcelona. They knew that Tito was in a critical conditi ...

27 Apr 2014 03:57

I saw the barca of the six cups, Greats! Led by Pep Guardiola and asst Tito Vilanova who is Late. RIP TITO!

26 Apr 2014 18:12

Prepares Spanish coach Pep Guardiola as coach of Bayern Munich, the reigning Champions League to return to the walls of his former club Barcelona , in order to provide duty condolences to former assistant coach Tito Vilanova former Parsa , who passed away on Friday morning . The newspaper " El Mundo Deportivo " Spanish that Guardiola might travel to Spain after the match against Bayern Werder Bremen at the " Allianz Arena " Saturday afternoon round of competition among 32 of the Bundesliga. She pointed out that Guardiola will travel to Spain , accompanied by his aides and four Spaniards former colleagues to Villanova , Manel Aastruta , Lorenzo Boinfeintura , Carles Domenech , and Torrent Planchart . Will not be able to coach Bayern Munich to attend the religious ceremony to bid farewell to Tito Vilanova next Monday , as it relates to confront a very important against Real Madrid on Tuesday in the second leg semi-final of the Champions League.

26 Apr 2014 17:18

Pep Guardiola came out spotting all black mourning Tito Vilanova, after the match he said it was difficult for him to follow the game today, Tito Vilanova was more than a friend to him

26 Apr 2014 12:01

RIP Tito Vilanova. Successor to Pep Guardiola, a coach and a leader. You shall be greatly missed.

26 Apr 2014 11:58

I know Pep Guardiola is taking the lost of Tito Vilanova, his former assistant, real hard.

26 Apr 2014 11:52

RIP Tito Vilanova, 45 years old. Was one of the crafters of the brillant era with Pep Guardiola.

26 Apr 2014 11:48

By Tim Hanlon BARCELONA (Reuters) - Former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has died aged 45 following a battle with cancer that forced him to stand down at the end of last season, the club announced on Friday. He took over at the Nou Camp ahead of the 2012-13 season having been Pep Guardiola's assista…

Deepest condolences to th family & friends of Tito Vilanova.. Great coach to Barcelona + Perfect cobination with Pep Guardiola. Rip to the Catalan#

26 Apr 2014 06:11

RIP Tito Vilanova - Born September 17, 1968 - Barcelona manager for 2012-13 season - Won La Liga title with record-tying 100 points - Barcelona set club league records last season with 32 wins and 115 goals - Left team in December 2012 for 3 months to undergo cancer treatment - Stepped down as Barcelona Head Coach in July 2013 because of complications with cancer, for which he had been receiving treatment since November 2011. - Assistant coach at Barcelona for 4 seasons under Pep Guardiola (won 14 titles as an assistant)

26 Apr 2014 05:17

madridistars commiserate with Barcelona fans the world over the painful passing on of their manager, Tito Vilanova. He was assistant to Pep Guardiola from 2008 to 2012.He was appointed as first team manager in June 2012 and led the team to its best League performance in history (a total of 100 points). In July 2013, he stepped down to focus on his failing health but as God will have it he has gone to be with his ancestors. RIP TITO VILANOVA . . .THE FOOTBALL WORLD LOVES YOU, BUT GOD LOVES YOU MOST!!!

26 Apr 2014 02:49

the man with 'Barça DNA' →Tito Vilanova died almost two years after fulfilling his lifelong dream: to manage the Fc Barcelona first team. On 27th April 2012, Sandro Rosell announced that the coach from Bellcaire would replace Pep Guardiola, for whom he had acted as right-hand man since both joined Barça B in 2007 May your Soul Rest in Peace R.I.P Tito :(

26 Apr 2014 01:20

R.I.P Tito Vilanova :( He is the best after pep guardiola... 100 score with Barca !

25 Apr 2014 21:04

Tito Vilanova was on course to be the next Pep Guardiola. Tactically, Mentally, Emotionally and Spiritually. Its sad that he never got to fulfill his passion. He is a modest person. He is a BRAVE HEART, He didn't deserve to depart us like that. I know he is the place where the lord has prepared for him and we shall see in Heaven. By the Grace of God. He was a Child of God

25 Apr 2014 21:03

Former Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova has passed on today after losing a long-drawn battle with throat cancer. Vilanova was 45. Vilanova was Barcelona’s manager for the 2011-2012 season, succeeding Pep Guardiola and guiding the Catalan side to the La Liga trophy. He had resigned weeks prior to...

25 Apr 2014 19:53

R.I.P Tito Vilanova who lost his life to throat cancer at age of 45. Cancer is a cruel cruel disease and our thoughts are with his family and friends. One of his greatest achievements is stepping up to be Barcelona manager after Pep Guardiola earning 100 points for the club - the highest total ever for Barca. He began as a youth player at La Masia and ended his football life coaching the club he loves. May he rest in peace.

25 Apr 2014 19:18

Tito Vilanova.. You filled in the boots of Pep Guardiola.. You didn't make us miss him.. You fought for barca.. You trained Leo Messi, Andres Iniesta in their youth.. You got us the Liga title in your very first season as the Head Coach in spite of fighting cancer.. you fought hard next year.. I as a barca fan am really ashamed that I did not know what you were going through in this past year until you left us all for the next journey.. All i have is respect for you, your fighting spirit, your passion and love for barca.. your life! A catalan by heart and soul.. RIP to the bravest of all the managers i have ever seen or heard of... You will be missed and loved and respected by every football fan on this planet and beyond.. There are things that matter beyond the game.. There are things that are tons more important than being a club fan... People realize those after such an incident.. Its a big loss for me and for all the barca fans... If there is one thing i want right now is you back on that coaching be ...

25 Apr 2014 18:08

Tito Vilanova assistated Pep Guardiola in Barca's most succesful spell. He then took charge when Pep left. They made their best ever start in La Liga in the 2012/13 season winning the league 15 points in front of Real Madrid, despite having treatment for cancer which had come back for the second time. He left Barca at the end of that season. 45 is no age. Thoughts go to his family. Rest in peace Tito.

25 Apr 2014 17:19

BREAKING NEWS- Barcelona have officially confirmed that former manager Tito Vilanova has died. The 45 year old replaced pep Guardiola in 2012 but was forced to resign due to his battle with throat cancer after just one season. RIP . Huge loss for Barcelona.

Prayers and condolences go out to Tito Vilanova's family. For those who don't know he was Head Coach of Barcelona last year, and assistant coach under Pep Guardiola, he has been battling cancer the past few years. A truly sad day for the Barca family.he was only 45.

25 Apr 2014 16:28

Absolutely gutted to hear the sad news of Tito Vilanova's sad passing!! did a great job when he came in for Pep Guardiola and im sure Barcelona would have been a better team still if not for him having to leave through cancer! R.I.P

Here's Barcelona exhibiting their slickness and style of play in an indoor friendly. Just the lads having some fun and demonstrating their human sides. Pep Guardiola vs Tito Vilanova. Get well soon Tito! - WS

Tough times for Barcelona May 2012: Pep Guardiola steps down after four years in charge, with Tito Vilanova replacing him December 2012: Vilanova undergoes cancer surgery, returning to work in March 2013: Fc Barcelona confirm a deal with Qatar Airways, who become the first commercial shirt sponsors in the club's history May 2013: Eric Abidal is allowed to leave the club, a month after returning to action following a liver transplant June 2013: Lionel Messi is accused of tax evasion July 2013: Vilanova steps down as Barcelona manager for health reasons January 2014: President Sandro Rosell resigns as a Spanish court looks into allegations that Barcelona evaded tax on the transfer of Neymar February 2014: Barca pay £11.2m to the Spanish authorities after being charged with tax fraud over Neymar, but deny wrongdoing. April 2014: The club are banned from signing players for 14 months before Fifa puts the punishment on hold, pending an appeal. My Barcelona

23 Feb 2014 09:27

Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova won the title after losing league games at Anoeta.

22 Oct 2013 08:37

Are Barcelona moving away from Tiki Taka? The Catalans have adopted a more direct approach at times this term, particularly on the road, but are they really ditching the style that made them great under Pep Guardiola? "We don't play Tiki Taka," Pep Guardiola growled. "I don't like that expression - it seems as if we are discrediting our opponents." That was back in 2010-11, at the height of Barcelona's brilliance under the Catalan coach. But call it what you will, back then the Blaugrana boasted a clear playing philosophy admired and recognised throughout the world. Gerard Pique looked back in an interview with European Sports Media this week. "With Pep, we had an identity," he recalled. "We played the same way in Granada, in Malaga, on pitches full of puddles... the team really believed in Pep." One of the most frank footballers at Camp Nou, Pique is not afraid to speak his mind. The defender got himself into trouble last season with former Barca boss Tito Vilanova after the Blaugrana were humbled by Bay ...

08 Oct 2013 03:31

'AZULGRANAS' STILL STRUGGLING FROM SET PLAYS Barça defenders need to fight their own corner Set pieces continue to be the weak link in the Barcelona armour, particularly corners, from which the club has already conceded three goals this season, despite a change-up in marking schemes. Valencia's Postiga, Sevilla's Coke and Valladolid's Javi Guerra have all beaten Valdés from such situations. This year has seen Barça try out something new when defending corners, deploying a combination of the zonal system used under Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova and man-to-man marking. So far, though, the results have yet to convince. The squad, however, is well aware of its own share of the responsibility. However much Tata Martino explains the theory and runs drills, it is the players who talk the talk in the dressing room and walk the walk out on the pitch. They know that it's up to them to work out the right way to deal with aerial threats, to fight their own corner, if you will. Tata is keen to avoid any risks at ...

07 Oct 2013 12:44

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has said he "needed" the full support of Pep Guardiola during his battle against...

•Hectic pre-season schedules for Real Madrid and Barcelona_ •Real Madrid's summer plans are no less taxing.Barcelona have completed details of a tour that will see them travel over 30,000 kilometers, with some players condemned to travel even more. Real Madrid and Barcelona had better stock up on reading material and video-games and prepare to fasten their seatbelts as it looks like they are all in for a busy summer in terms of travelling. Financial and commercial and marketing commitments will see both clubs, both of whom return to training in the next seven days, go almost all around the world to play their pre-season preparation games. The side coached by Tito Vilanova will play their first friendly game in the Polish city of Danzig July 20 before facing Bayern Munich, who are now coached by former Barca boss Pep Guardiola. After taking on Bayern in what is certain to be an emotional affair for many of the players, Barca then travel to Oslo (Norway) for a friendly game against Valerenga, before jet ...

It's front page on today's Catalan newspaper Sport that Barcelona midfielder Thiago has made his decision and wants to leave the club this summer. His wasn't supposed to be coming to a conclusion before the end of the current U21 championships but Sport simply say 'Thiago wants to go', and the reason for such is all down to his World Cup dream. They say that Tito Vilanova has already contacted the player and explained the situation to him, that he wants Thiago to remain at Barcelona, but that there are other players ahead of him in the pecking order. Thiago wants centre stage now and, according to Sport, could be heading straight for Manchester United for his €18m buy-out clause. Bayern Munich is stated as a second option, mainly due to Pep Guardiola links, but Thiago's major destination is yet again put down as as Manchester United. Barcelona are not happy about the buy-out clause and are expected to try and be awkward by putting IVA, tax, on top of that. That would bring the figure to around €21.7m, ...

12 Jun 2013 18:16

Another game from the coaching manual of Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova: this is a 7v7 game that the players...

Pellegrini: Barcelona nearly hired me instead of Guardiola. "Before Pep Guardiola took charge of Barcelona, I was very close to signing," he told Television Nacional de Chile . "I'm very happy that it isn't currently possible for me to manage Barcelona, because if it were, it would mean that Tito Vilanova was in poor health," he told the largest television network in his country. - ANARF

31 May 2013 18:53

Chilean coach admitted "Manuel Pellegrini" It was very close to the train Barca coach before the arrival of the legendary "Pep Guardiola." "Pellegrini": "before the arrival of (Pep) to Barça you are close to his training, today I am happy because the option Barca is not possible because this would mean that the (Tito Vilanova) does not enjoy good health", in reference to the House about the possibility of assuming the task of training Barça if suffered health "Tito" to a new setback.

29 May 2013 22:54

The International Olympic Committee's 2020 Olympics shortlist includes Wrestling, Squash and Baseball/Softball. Wakeboarding, Wushu, Karate, Roller sports and Climbing sports all failed to make the 2020 Olympics shortlist. Decision on the shortlist will be made in September. Everton chairman Bill Kenwright confirmed that he intends to speak to outgoing Wigan coach Roberto Martinez about their managerial vacancy. Consultancy firm Brand Finance revealed that Bayern Munich have overtaken Man Utd as the most valuable brand in world football. It was revealed earlier today that tickets for the FIFA 2014 World Cup in Brazil will go on sale worldwide on 20 August 2013 (i dream to have one). Rafael van der Vaart has been ruled out of Netherlands' up-coming friendly clashes due to an Achilles injury. Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has revealed Pep Guardiola wanted Neymar until they opted to move for Mario Gotze. Football Icon, Johan Cruyff has advised Tito Vilanova to step down as Barcelona coach. Luis Suarez ...

24 May 2013 06:52

Words were exchanged. Some involved apologies and others made matters more heated. Let's have a look at what some of Spanish football's personalities said about Mourinho. Florentino Pérez: "We have the best coach in the world with an impressive track record, and we demand he be treated with respect." Karanka: "I've had some exceptional experiences and people don't know him at all." Cristiano Ronaldo: "Every great coach has to triumph in different leagues and he's done it." Xabi Alonso: "There's something about him that makes you want to play and fight for him." Essien: "He's like a father to me." Iker Casillas: There's no personal relationship. We only talk about football. Manolo Preciado: "When you see how he works and motivates people, that's what leads to success. He is the number one." Pep Guardiola: "In this [press] room, he's the f**king boss, he's the f**king master and I don't want to compete even for a second." Tito Vilanova: "If we're going to talk about referees, then let's talk about everythi ...

26 Apr 2013 10:47

chief confirms Pep Guardiola wanted as does Tito Vilanova. A deal will surely be done.

23 Apr 2013 21:29

The most successful Fc Barcelona manager in terms of trophies won is Johan Cruyff, who won four La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey trophy, three Supercopa de España, one UEFA Cup Winners' Cup trophy, one UEFA Champions League titles and one UEFA Super Cup in his 8-year reign as manager. Pep Guardiola was also the most successful manager in terms of trophies per year. In 2009, Guardiola's first year, Barcelona became the first club in Spain to win the treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Champions League. Later they became the first football team ever to win six out of six competitions in a single year, thus completing the sextuple, comprising the aforementioned treble and the Spanish Supercup, European Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.[1] Tito Vilanova took over from Guardiola in June 2012. He thinks the fact that he is dealing with footballers who are professionals and expertise gives him the right to be mindless and loosed about the team , he thinks he has nothing to teach those guys and lets them play ...

Barcelona Head Coach Tito Vilanova is better in his role "in all aspects" that Pep Guardiola, according to a club spokesperson.

15 Apr 2013 14:12

Under three different managers, Frank Rijkaard (2), Pep Guardiola (247) and Tito Vilanova (51), have always been in control.

14 Apr 2013 17:59

Tito Vilanova managing against Bayern Munich back in the 2008/09 season in Pep Guardiola's absence.

04 Mar 2013 08:36

. But their aura is gone. José Mourinho has heaved and heaved at the Barça door; now Pep Guardiola has left, Tito Vilanova is ill, and Jordi Roura has been unable to stop him battering it dow

03 Mar 2013 18:37

Tito vilanova not in the dug out is a laughable excuse and indeed a shame for the blaugrana slump in form.They were tactically outmuscled by a rigid wall with high pressing counter attacking tactics.Pep Guardiola never found an answer to it against Inter milan and Chelsea, Tito Vilanova failed miserably against Celtic,so, how do you expect Jordi Roura to pass the acid test? Not even Johan Cruyff can counter the wall.

03 Mar 2013 16:40

Surely, it's not the best of times for Fc Barcelona of Spain. After being humbled 2-0 by a defiant Ac Milan side in their Champions League round of 16 1st leg, it has been ignominiously followed by a Copa del Rey and La Liga defeats to their arch rivals Real Madrid. With 3 defeats in the space of two weeks, there's definitely no much smiles at Camp Nou at the moment. Stripped of Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova, Barcelona have not been able to get the groove and spark that characterised the tenure of Guardiola who opted out after the 2010/2011. In him, Barcelona had a coach blessed with tact, know-how, technical clout and charisma to tutore his galaxy of talented players even when the chips were down. He possessed that charm and aura that propelled the Blaugrana in his time. He was intelligent and smartly dressed. I digress. My point is that without an atom of doubt, this gentlemam who is now contracted to Bayern Munich has left a big hole that will take some time to be filled. Tito Vilanova, his assistan ...

How Mourinho found the formula for beating Barcelona The Portuguese endured a tough time initially in the famous fixture, losing his first Clasico 5-0 and winning just one in 10, but he has enjoyed much more success recently Mar 2, 2013 9:00:00 AM (continued) Madrid were more positive in the second leg and carried that more ambitious approach into the Spanish Supercopa series in August of 2011. Back to 4-2-3-1, pressing from Madrid midfielders Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira squeezed the spaces for Xavi and Messi, forcing Barca onto the back foot. In fact, over the two games, Mourinho's men should have wonthe trophy, losing out only to an inspired Messi, who scored three and set up the other two in a 5-4 aggregate win. Frustrated at the outcome, the Portuguese coach showed his unsavoury side as he poked Pep Guardiola's assistant, Tito Vilanova, in the eye. Despite the defeat, Mourinho was on to something. The mental scars were still in place, though, and not even an earlygoal by Karim Benzema could inspire M ...

02 Mar 2013 23:47

Bring in Marcelo Bielsa, why would you appoint Tito Vilanova in the first place. Pep Guardiola raised issues with his health.

02 Mar 2013 19:46

To Barca fans, I think Pep Guardiola foresaw this doomsday befalling him at the helm of affairs in Barca. That's the more reason he had to flee. It's rather unfortunate Tito Vilanova and for that matter Jordi Roura are facing the consequences. It's never their fault that Barca loses to Madrid. You could tell that, since Madrid's 5 - 0 loss, together with others, Madrid earned series of draws before they started winning some games(mostly, the supercopa home games). Gradually, Madrid's been gaining the upper hand one game at a time. Now, Madrid have the confidence that Barca used to have over them, and it's not surprising to be having such results. As for Guardiola, he came to meet an already prepared team by Frank Rijkaard(who unfortunately, did not live long to reap the benefits). For this reason, Pep really didn't do anything extraordinary with Barca - but they won him trophies. In conclusion, I dare say that, I wouldn't be surprised if Pep Guardiola becomes a FLOP in Bayern Munchen - where he is going t ...

26 Feb 2013 13:51

Madrid: Outgoing Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola sought to make the succession of his number two Tito Vilanova as smooth as possible as he gave his last Nou Camp news conference on Thursday, ahead of the King's Cup final.

23 Feb 2013 22:02

How much longer can Barcelona go on without a coach? The Catalan club suffered a damaging defeat at AC Milan on Wednesday and looked to lack motivation. With no Pep Guardiola and now no Tito Vilanova, the situation is far from ideal. What about messi,xavi n iniesta?

18 Feb 2013 09:44

The Blaugrana star says he hopes to improve with every season, and admitted working without Tito Vilanova - who is recovering from cancer treatment - can be difficult Andres Iniesta has revealed he would like to play alongside Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos and Malaga attacker Isco at Barcelona. The Blaugrana star has played alongside the Blancos defender in the Spain national side for years, while the Rosaleda starlet has been impressive form this season. When asked at the sixth edition of the World Sports Gala who he would like to bring to Barcelona, Iniesta rooted for two compatriots. "I’ve always liked Sergio Ramos,” Mundo Deportivo quoted him as saying. “He's very impressive. And I like to look at the upcoming players, such as Isco." Iniesta added he misses working with Pep Guardiola, who left Camp Nou as Head Coach last summer, and admitted it is difficult working with current boss Tito Vilanova being absent due to his recovery from cancer treatment. “I do miss Guardiola because I like wo ...

16 Feb 2013 07:24

Pep Guardiola has already lined up his first major coup as he prepares to take the reins of Bayern Munich next season. The Former Barcelona boss is set to unleash a £50 million bid for Tottenham's Gareth Bale, the Daily Mail reports. It is claimed Guardiola will be given a total transfer budget of over £100 million this summer, and Bale is his top priority. The in-form Spurs winger has long been linked with Real Madrid and Barcelona, but the opportunity to work under Guardiola may see him switch to the Bundesliga instead. Barcelona, meanwhile, are looking to shore up the other end of the pitch, as they plot a move for Chelsea defender David Luiz. Barca boss Tito Vilanova has targeted Luiz, and the Daily Express states that a deal in the region of £21 million could be in the offing. Chelsea may be reluctant to part with Luiz, but such a hefty transfer fee could see them persuaded in the summer. Speculation over Chelsea's managerial position continues to rumble on, with the Daily Mirror claiming Malaga b ...

10 Feb 2013 14:30

Neymar to spurn Barca for Bayern? Santos striker Neymar has conceded that he could join Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich. The Former Barcelona boss will take over at the Bavarian club in July, and the Brazilian forward has admitted that he may reject advances from the Blaugrana for the Bundesliga side. “I can imagine playing for Bayern,” he briefly told German news agency SID. Reports earlier in this week had claimed that Manchester City were ready to offer a 'blank cheque' for the 20-year-old, despite a pre-contract agreement with Tito Vilanova's men rumoured to have already been agreed. FOOTBALL ESPANA ADMIN ANDREW

06 Feb 2013 19:05

Barcelona and Bayern Munich agree to play a friendly match as part of the 2013/14 preseason schedule. It will be the first time Pep Guardiola will face the Barca team that he has groomed himself and is managed by his former assistant coach, Tito Vilanova.

30 Jan 2013 13:30

Rosell: Picking Vilanova as coach was the best decision Barcelona President Sandro Rosell has praised the decision to replace Pep Guardiola with Tito Vilanova. Vilanova replaced Pep Guardiola at the end of the 2011-12 campaign following the latter’s decision to end his four-year spell at Camp Nou and Vilanova has since guided the Catalans to their best ever La Liga season. “Tito has talent, he understands what Barcelona mean, what La Masia is and what being Catalan means,” Rosell told reporters. “It was a brilliant decision by Zubizarreta to give him the job.” Rosell then discussed Xavi Hernandez, who signed a new contract on Monday. “He has just renewed his contract until 2016. He’ll be 36-years-old by then, but we believe this deal won’t be the last he signs with us.” inside spanish football, admin andrew

30 Jan 2013 11:19

Bernabéu is captain's happy hunting ground Puyol territory Carles Puyol is set to start at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday. The Barcelona captain will be an inspiration to his teammates, as the side has an incredible record - which even Leo Messi cannot beat - whenever the defender has featured at Real Madrid. In the last five years, every time Puyol has played in this fixture, Barça has won the game. This record has been intact since 7th May 2008 when the Catalan side lost 4-1 to 'Los Blancos'. Since then, Barça – under the guidance of both Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova – has played at the Bernabéu on eight occasions in four different competitions. Barça has won five of these eight matches, drawing twice and losing once. However, Puyol did not play in the team’s defeat and one of the draws. The defender did feature in the 1-1 league draw in the 2010-11 season. Nevertheless, one important thing must be pointed out. Puyol was substituted in the 57th minute of that particular game, when his ...

21 Jan 2013 02:10

Tito Vilanova's Barcelona has equalled Pep Guardiola's club record of 10 consecutive away wins in the Spanish league [via fcb]

19 Jan 2013 17:57

It's lucky Bayer has Pep Guardiola, yet FCB is still lucky has Tito Vilanova. No difference as long as it's about struggle of the players.

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova doesn't expect to lose players to Pep Guardiola's Bayern Munich. Vilanova insists he is unfazed by the rumours, but did say it is a huge boost for the German league that Guardiola will coach there. “I'm not worried that some players want to go to Guardiola's Bayern. I'm not worried, they have contracts," Vilanova told reporters. “It's great news for the Bundesliga. They are one of the great teams that Pep could have gone to. He will help German football a lot. The best coach in the world has to be coaching, and next season he will. “Pep has a method of coaching, like all the coaches that have come through at Barca. He doesn't necessarily have to give that up."

Is Pep Guardiola that good anyway? Yes, he is pretty special, but he has achieved so much by the age of 42 that anything less than immediate and stunning success at Bayern Munich will be viewed as a failure When asked about Pep Guardiola and Bayern Munich, his successor at Barcelona, Tito Vilanova, said on Wednesday night: "When you are at your home club, it's different." He was answering the question: why has Guardiola signed for three years when he would only ever sign for one at the Nou Camp? The answer fits a variety of other questions surrounding his appointment and his ability to repeat the Barcelona successes elsewhere. Thanks to Vilanova, Barcelona are not missing Guardiola. Will he be missing them come the middle of next season, exposed as having been a mere cog in the Barcelona machine and out of place in Germany? The Former Barcelona player and Germany international Bernd Schuster has already pointed out the perils of having the three most powerful and influential men in the club's history watc ...

17 Jan 2013 10:53

Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova is happy to his old colleague Pep Guardiola return to management

17 Jan 2013 00:14

Daring Pep! Now is the time for Guardiola to prove his mettle. Events since he left Barca with Tito Vilanova in charge shows that Pep's achievement at Camp Nou is nothing out of the ordinary. Tito has taken the same team on an unprecedented run of wins dropping just 2 points all season in the La Liga race. With the title almost wrapped up and stakes in all other remaining competition including the Uefa's Champions League, Vilanova only needs time to prove that Guardiola's achievements while in charge of Barca, was down to the quality of players in the team. He has every opportunity to prove us wrong from July as he sojourn into the Allianz Arena with the Bavarians. Simply why Mou has the edge. Till then!

16 Jan 2013 13:47

Tito Vilanova: ''It's a great news that Pep Guardiola has decided to come to coaching once again. The best coach in the world needs to get back to football. Wherever he goes, he will do good.''

14 Jan 2013 04:17

Barcelona have taken 55 points from a possible 57 at the half way point of La Liga. With an 18 point lead over Real Madrid and an 11 point lead over second placed Atletico Madrid. Is Tito Vilanova's side even better than the one under Pep Guardiola? Also do you think Jose Mourinho has a future at Real?

13 Jan 2013 20:10

Barcelona from Frank Rijkaard to Pep Guardiola to Tito Vilanova have been the best team.

12 Jan 2013 04:23

PHOTO: Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova in New York. The two had dinner in Manhattan on Thursday [via sport]

11 Jan 2013 22:47

Saw you were back earlier! Remember I told you about that Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova coaching drills? I found it!

11 Jan 2013 13:36

Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova is still off on leave for medical reasons and Pep Guardiola has said he wants to return to management in 2013/14. Will the great man return to his old club?

10 Jan 2013 23:47

Tito Vilanova is in New York for a second medical opinion. I wonder if he is watching the game with Pep Guardiola. That would be cool.

09 Jan 2013 11:26

Lionel Messi: “I have more hunger, I still have many targets. “Have I comprehended my achievements so far? I do not think about it, all the awards provide me with pleasure and pride. “I’m very happy to have this now, I’m going day by day, trying to keep progressing and to take all this in without too much of a headache. “If I can win more [Ballon d’Ors], but it does not preoccupy me. I’ll have to find room for them! Now, I feel great joy and immense pride every time I receive the Ballon d’Or. “This is the fourth, but it is still something unique and again I feel an immense joy when I hold it in my hands. Although this weighs a lot!” The Argentine was asked if the fourth one was deserved, or whether another player should have been given the award. “I do not know, it is not for me to say. I would have been very happy if Andres had won it. Moreover, without him, without the help of my teammates and Coaches, maybe I would not have won. “I think of Pep Guardiola, Alejandro Sabella and ...

07 Jan 2013 15:24

Here is what the best coaches has to say about our one and only busquet Pep Guardiola: ''I wouldn't have won any trophies without Busquets''. Vicente del Bosque: ''I don't care about who ever is missing in the National Team as long as Sergio Busquets is in the squad''. Sir Alex Ferguson: ''Paul Scholes and Sergio Busquets are the most important players in their teams''. Tito Vilanova: ''I have never seen any player with that much confident''. Gerd Muller: ''For me Busquets is the best DMF in the world for the last couple of years''. Johan Cruyff: ''A player with a successful passing rate above 95% is indescribable. The least I could say about him is that he is one of the most Technical players from La Masia''. for Busquets

03 Jan 2013 09:29

Martins' 2nd Best La Liga Signing Rejected Super Eagle,Obafemi Martins has been voted by readers of popular and influential Spanish sports paper,Marca as the second best summer signng in the La Liga. The former Newcastle and Birmingham City striker is now at Levante, where he has scored six times in 21 appearances. Barcelona's Jordi Alba won the vote. In the same survey, Lionel Messi unsurprisingly won the player of the year title with a staggering 60 per cent of the vote, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo (14.4 per cent) and Radamel Falcao (10.6 per cent). Elsewhere, Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova were all beaten to the coach of the year gong by Atletico Madrid boss, the former Argentina international Diego Simeone. Meanwhile two former Premier League stars have been voted as the worst signings of the season in La Liga. Luka Modric, who left Tottenham for Real Madrid after protracted negotiations, and Alex Song, who signed for Barcelona from Arsenal, were the worst rated, with Modric gaining 32.2 per ...

28 Dec 2012 12:32

RAFA BENITEZ is in line to land the Chelsea manager’s job permanently. The news will shock fans who have slated the ex-Liverpool boss since he took charge last month. But sources inside Stamford Bridge’s corridors of power say the Spaniard is on course to become ‘Rafa the Gaffer’ full-time after some superb results. Owner Roman Abramovich has been impressed with Blues’ six wins in their last se...ven games, in which they hit 26 goals and reached the Capital One Cup semi-finals. Benitez, 52, has even helped £50million flop Fernando Torres rediscover his golden touch withseven goals in seven games. Events outside SW6 have also strengthened the position of Benitez, originally only brought in until the end of the season. Chelsea’s top target Pep Guardiola is being linkedwith a return to Barcelona after his year-long sabbatical. Current boss Tito Vilanova has cancer and there are fears about his long-term future. Jose Mourinho is also unlikely to return to Chelsea and is set to go to Manchester Un ...

Pep Guardiola had nothing to declare when he flew into Barcelona on Saturday, looking for all the world like just another backpacker. He was in the city to visit his successor, Tito Vilanova.

22 Dec 2012 18:08

Anybody can coach this Barcelona team and win Pep Guardiola, Tito Vilanova and now Mr. Moura

22 Dec 2012 15:15

VIDEO: Pep Guardiola back in Barcelona today for the holidays. He will also visit Tito Vilanova in the hospital...

22 Dec 2012 14:21

Pep Guardiola arrived in Barcelona at 9:25am local time to spend the holidays with hisfamily. He'll also visit Tito Vilanova [md]

22 Dec 2012 14:08

Pep Guardiola arrived in Barcelona this morning from New York to visit his friend Tito Vilanova.

22 Dec 2012 11:46

Pep Guardiola is in Barcelona now to visit his friend Tito Vilanova

20 Dec 2012 09:07

Sir Alex Ferguson claims Pep Guardiola will not be rushed into making a return to management. Guardiola stepped down as Barcelona manager last season, citing a desire to have some time away from the sport, and he is currently on sabbatical in New York. He is widely expected to return to the game next summer and reports have seen him linked with Chelsea and Manchester City, while many feel he is the ideal candidate to succeed Ferguson at Manchester United. The news that his successor at Barcelona, Tito Vilanova, is to undergo surgery to remove a tumour after suffering a relapse has resulted in speculation that he could make a temporary return to the Nou Camp, but Ferguson does not believe he will be tempted back into management before the season is out. “I spoke to Pep a while ago and he said he has no interest in getting back into management at the moment,” Ferguson told Eurosport. “His record is fantastic. The trophies he won at Barcelona were quite exceptional and that is his CV – he wins trophi ...

19 Dec 2012 17:35

TITO already DEMOSTRO SU character and determination a struggle that you started on November 22, 2011 Tito Vilanova began his fight against the disease that suffers from the same day that the template was traveling to Milan The Tito Vilanova fight against cancer began more than one year ago. As what public opinion is concerned, it all started on November 22, 2011, when the club announced that the then Assistant Coach Josep Guardiola no integrated expedition to Milan for a Champions League match. Why, Vilanova had been "operated the parotid in the Hospital Vall d'Hebron by the team specialized in maxillofacial surgery of the Medical Center" led by Dr. choir Bescos Atin and Dr. Jorge Pamias Romero. The Parotid gland is a salivary gland located on both sides of the face, under the ear and behind the lower jaw. Since then, Tito began a recovery period of several weeks in which underwent radio and chemotherapy sessions.On 7 December he returned to accompany Pep Guardiola at training sessions although in princi ...

04 Dec 2012 19:10

Barcelona's superb start to the season has allowed Tito Vilanova to step out of the shadow of Pep Guardiola, Marcelino told Revista.

02 Dec 2012 14:10

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova says he is not trying to compete with former mentor Pep Guardiola, despite having set a new La Liga record.

26 Nov 2012 14:07

Tito Vilanova, 8 -- With 37 out of a possible 39 points won so far, Pep Guardiola's successor has officially equalled La Liga's best-ever start. Credit must be given to a confident newcomer who has managed to keep this group of players hungry for victory, eager to improve and ready to compete for reaching even higher heights. Fielding the first ever La Masia eleven will also go down as one of the proudest moments in over 100 years of Blaugrana history.

26 Nov 2012 13:25

A History was made in the 14th minute when coach Tito Vilanova sent on Martin Montoya to replace the injured Dani Alves - completing a team full of La Masia products for the first time in the modern era. Not even Vilanova's predecessor Pep Guardiola managed the feat, fielding a maximum of nine homegrown players at any time. Brazilian substitute Adriano Correia broke the monopoly in the 75th minute, by which time Barca were four goals to the good. In the era of cosmopolitan swings, Barca provides an answer.

Deulofeu earns more from advertising than football: Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova weren't the first people to ...

20 Nov 2012 20:14

MY SAY ABOUT BARCELONA F.C. For the past 10yrs i have been a barca faithful. Since then, it is all fun with this great catalan club. Since 2007/2008 to 2012 when Pep Guardiola took over before he decided to take a sabatical leave, we saw a different patterns, styles, formations and lots more. When he announced that he was leaving i cried because as a local player playing in a local league, i have never seen a total football in my life, it was during the reign of Pep Guardiola that i saw that. His then assitant coach took over now and i ask- can we ever see this again? Since Tito took over, we only lost two games so far in all competition, individual records keeps coming, team record and lot more. I happened to traveled to LUZHIKINI Stadium in far Russia from Nigeria in Africa to witness a life match in which to my accessment the best ever Tiki- Taka football played by Barca since Tito Vilanova took over. Seating in seat number 265 together with the Barca supporters who travelled with the team. While i wa ...

17 Nov 2012 07:39

•HOW PEP GUARDIOLA GOT THE BARCA TEAM WINNING + GUARDIOLA LOVE FOR HIS PLAYERS ON OFF-FIELD ISSUES. Frank Rijkaard’s Barcelona were suffering an unstoppable decline into decadence, the dressing room lacking discipline and spirit. Ronaldinho had lost his status as the most exciting player on the planet, the president Joan Laporta had only just survived in office and Catalan self-esteem was at its lowest ebb for decades. At that point Pep Guardiola was appointed first-team coach of Fc Barcelona. Two trophy-less years had passed them by. A change was needed. Important decisions had to be made. But, first Pep had to get the team on his side. A face-to-face meeting with the squad was still pending. It took place on the first day of training at the world-famous St Andrews, in Scotland, in a basement conference room of a hotel. As he made his way to the room, Pep repeatedly told himself: “Be yourself. Be yourself.” He felt that he had been through a similar experience at least once before, with the [Barc ...

16 Nov 2012 08:47

According to Jorge Valdano of Realmadrid, Pep Guardiola is the Steve Jobs of football! I disagree with this opinion. While i respect Pep for the way he held the dressing room together at Nou Camp, I do not see him as a tactical wizard. Anyone would win titles with this Barca side and the evidence of this is in Tito Vilanova's performance so far. While acknowledging that he deserves the titles he won, there are still doubts about his ability unlike Sir Alex, Mou, Wenger, Benitez etc

15 Nov 2012 12:05

Busquets: Barcelona concede too many goals Sergio Busquets has voiced his concern with the amount of goals Barcelona have conceded in the opening months of the 2012-13 campaign. The Catalans sit top of the Liga table with 31 points from 11 games, but have already conceded 14 goals up until now, and Busquets has admitted that they struggle in defence. "The only problem is the goals we're conceding. The opponents push us back a lot as well and it's hard for us," the holding midfielder told Cadena Cope. "It's a shame because you don't enjoy it. We all like to pass the ball around, for there to be spaces. You're left without many options. We have to try and make the most of the chances we get. "It's also true that we've had injuries to some defenders." The 24-year-old then went on to stress that Tito Vilanova is doing a fine job at Barca as not much has changed since the departure of Pep Guardiola. "We're fine with Tito," Busquets added. "Maybe he gets less media attention and that means things are calmer, bu ...

15 Nov 2012 03:06

I have to admit this is a kool thing Barca did. Pep Guardiola vs Tito Vilanova (barça football indoor): via

13 Nov 2012 18:51

Pep Guardiola or Tito VIlanova ? — No way I am gona choose one!! They are both morr than amazing cotches ;)...

02 Nov 2012 02:03

Pundits and fans alike have noticed, but here are the numbers to back it up. Statistics on Fc Barcelona’s football this season under Tito Vilanova point to a more direct approach. Possession and total number of passes per game have not fluctuated in any significant way from other recent season, remaining around 70% and 700 respectively, but there has been a key variation specifically related to territory. Tito Vilanova’s team thus far are playing higher up the pitch and in a more vertical manner. Only 9.7% of total passes are within the defensive third versus 13% under Pep Guardiola. This territorial advancement has seen an improved number of touches in the opponent box with 33.6 touches per game this year versus 31 last season. In order to accelerate movement up the field, Barça this season are attempting 9.6 “long balls” per game, a 1.2 increase from 8.6 in 2011/12.

29 Oct 2012 13:22

Tito Vilanova could be better than Pep Guardiola- Why do get the best managers?

26 Oct 2012 02:47

Barca sit top ofLa Ligaon seven wins and one draw, with Tito Vilanova following in the footsteps of previous coach Pep Guardiola by retaining the same footballing blueprint and playing philosophy.

22 Oct 2012 18:48

Tito Vilanova: Celtic will be dangerous on the break By: Laura Brannan in Barcelona on 22 Oct, 2012 17:43 HE may be in charge of, arguably, the greatest team in the world at the moment, and enjoying maximum points in the UEFA Champions League group stages so far, but Barcelona manager, Tito Vilanova, is expecting a tough test from Celtic on Tuesday night. The Hoops are in Catalonia for the third match of the tournament, and with both sides undefeated so far, it is shaping up to be a mouth-watering encounter. Vilanova, who took over from Pep Guardiola in the summer, was particularly impressed with Celtic´s dramatic 3-2 win against Spartak Moscow at the start of October, and he knows he will face a determined side tomorrow. "We know Celtic are dangerous, they have very fast people who can counter attack," he said at the pre-match Press Conference in the Camp Nou. "The Celtic game tomorrow will be a champions match and we have to win these matches. Celtic won against Spartak and it was difficult for us to w ...

19 Oct 2012 01:44

What is tHE MEANING OF THIS? Barca A movie maker? -filming Real defender pepe- Barcelona have a scouting video from two seasons ago detailing the 'unsporting behaviour' of Real Madrid defender Pepe, it is claimed. Barca, two seasons ago, specifically had Pepe taped during an El Clasico to highlight his behaviour away from the ball. Barca coach Tito Vilanova is said to have been involved, on instructions of predecessor Pep Guardiola. He hinted at the existence of the video last week when reacting to Pepe's "theatrics" comments: "Pepe could make a video with all his kicks." Barca have decided never to release the video to the media as it would be sourced back to them.

16 Oct 2012 06:01

Striker Pedro has praised boss Tito Vilanova saying he has followed the same line of thought as predecessor Pep Guardiola, while calling him a great guy.

14 Oct 2012 07:48

Barcelona star Xavi has spoken positively about his boss Tito Vilanova, insisting that there is a comparison with former coach Pep Guardiola

Javier Mascherano says Barcelona are the same team they were under Pep Guardiola following Tito Vilanova’s promotion to the top job.

09 Oct 2012 17:34

I really like Tito Vilanova, more so than I did Pep Guardiola.

08 Oct 2012 07:23

Vilanova: Messi has no limits Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova chose to focus on the brilliance of Lionel Messi after an entertaining 2-2 draw with Real Madrid in La Liga. Cristiano Ronaldo started and finished the scoring at the Nou Camp, with Messi also at the double - his second strike a stunning free-kick - to ensure honours ended even. "We do not know his limits," Vilanova said of the Argentina forward. "You should see how he trains every day - that urge he has to keep getting better. "I think we will never see another player like this. He is the best in the world by far." Vilanova added that Ronaldo would be "more recognised" if his career had not coincided with Messi's. As always between the arch rivals, tensions frequently looked in danger of boiling over. Visiting defender Pepe accused Andres Iniesta of "doing theatre" in a bid to win a second-half penalty and Madrid coach Jose Mourinho - who infamously poked a finger into the eye of Vilanova on the touchline last season when he was Pep Guardiola's ...

07 Oct 2012 21:47

This are the of messi concerning today match barca agaist madrid. Lionel Messi has granted an interview to a Barcelona-based media outfit, in which he spoke about Real Madrid’s duo of Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo, his team mate David Villa and the current Barcelona coach, Tito Vilanova. “He’s [Mourinho] a good coach who does his job. So is Cristiano Ronaldo, [who is] a great player,” Messi told todo-barcelona.net. “Villa is also a great guy that nobody can be wrong about.” The 25-year-old forward also praised Vilanova for continuing with the methods Pep Guardiola employed at the Camp Nou, before he departed in the summer. “[With Tito], you will see the sameBarcelona from past seasons,” he added. “Our style of play will not change because Tito thinks like Pep in this regard. There is no change. “Pep left a mark on the history of football. He gave me the bonus of playing in different positions on the field and that’s something he did with the team. “He changed and reinforced t ...

Koeman: Messi already has three Ballons d'Or, give Ronaldo one Feyenoord boss Ronald Koeman believes the Ballon d'Or should be finally awarded to Cristiano Ronaldo as Lionel Messi have already won it three times on the trot. The Barcelona legend acknowledged that the Portuguese has done enough to be crowned as the best player of 2012, highlighting the former Manchester United ace's ability to deliver at crucial moments. "Who would I give the Ballon d'Or to? How many has Messi got? Three? Then I would give one to Ronaldo," the former Netherlands international said to AS. "Messi is the best player in the world. However, Cristiano is also a great player like Messi, and he has been making the difference in Madrid." Koeman took time to discuss the work of Tito Vilanova in his first few months at Barcelona, and he was full of praise for Pep Guardiola's former assistant. "The results of Tito's Barca side speak for themselves. I think they continue to have a strong team, despite having some injured players. At th ...

02 Oct 2012 05:23

Teams are beginning to work out Barcelona, admits Vilanova The Blaugrana coach says wins are becoming increasingly harder to attain due to rivals now adopting tactics which attempt to stifle their possession-based style of play By Livio Caferoglu 1 Oct 2012 22:45:00 Tito Vilanova, Barcelona Tito Vilanova says Barcelona must now fight harder than ever to secure victories, as he prepares for his side's Champions League Group D encounter with Benfica on Tuesday. Barring their defeat to Real Madrid in the second-leg of the Supercopa, the Liga runners-up have won all of their other seven matches this season, but have kept just two clean sheets in the process. Their tendency to leak goals has been acknowledged by their boss, who conceded that other teams were inevitably going to figure out ways to counter their 'tiki-taka' approach, which saw them prosper under Pep Guardiola. "It says a lot about the players, who have won so much," Vilanova said at a Press Conference. "You can also see that nothing is easy. Som ...

30 Sep 2012 17:27

Pep Guardiola has a better Dress Sense than Tito Vilanova

30 Sep 2012 08:55

Did you know Only five managers have managed to lead their teams to victory in their first six La Liga games: James Bellamy, in 1929/30, Johan Cruyff in 1990/91, Luis van Gaal in 1997/98, Pep Guardiola in 2009/10 and Tito Vilanova this season . Up barca

29 Sep 2012 11:25

Statistically superior to Pep's start, but Tito's Barcelona are yet to sparkle By Charlie Scott Much was made of Barcelona's appointment of Tito Vilanova as coach following Pep Guardiola's sabbatical from the game at the end of last season, with many within football, particularly in Spain, unsure of the 44-year-old's suitability and capability of taking the reins at the world's biggest club and sustaining the fantastic form they enjoyed under the previous boss. On his very first day in the job whilst being unveiled to the media, Vilanova was bombarded with questions surrounding how he would compare to the man he had replaced, the man who in his four years in charge of the senior team won 13 trophies and had such a huge role in shaping the attacking style that the team so effortlessly exhibits to this day. "I'm just here to do my job. I'm not worried about the comparisons with Pep. I lose them all anyway," said Vilanova to the ravenous press. The Barca players echoed this sentiment, with Andres Iniesta one ...

27 Sep 2012 20:21

Josep Maria Bartomeu has made it clear that Barcelona are very pleased with new Head Coach Tito Vilanova's work at the club. The 44-year-old replaced Pep Guardiola at the helm this summer and has guided the Camp Nou side to five consecutive Liga victories, much to the delight of the club.

26 Sep 2012 21:16

Wenger backs Song to shine at Barcelona Arsene Wenger has backed former protege Alexandre Song to make an impact at Barcelona, as the Cameroon international continues to acclimatise himself to life at Camp Nou. The midfielder, who played under the stewardship of the French coach for seven seasons, was criticised by sections of the media for his performance in the Catalans' 3-2 Champions League victory over Spartak Moscow last week. Nevertheless, Wenger maintains Song has the quality to succeed in La Liga, and has issued advice to coach Tito Vilanova about how to best employ the Cameroon international. "He will succeed at Barca, and something tells me that he will play in central defence," he told BeIn Sports. "No matter who's by his side, he will be good in this role." Song made almost 200 appearances for the Londoners since his arrival from Bastia in 2005, but the majority of these came in a defensive midfield role. However, Barcelona have a tendency to deploy their holding players at centre-back, a tact ...

26 Sep 2012 14:03

Dani Alves: I'm looking forward to seeing Messi & Neymar together at Barcelona The Brazil international hopes to see his compatriot make the move to Camp Nou in the future, and is pleased to see that Tito Vilanova has embraced Pep Guardiola's philosophy

26 Sep 2012 04:04

Leo Messi is now the second highest paid footballer in the world, just one place behind his Former Barcelona team-mate Samuel Eto'o. Messi does not just help Barcelona win titles, he also helps the club line its pockets every time he wows crowds and television audiences with his magical left foot. Messi has a clause in his contract which sees him earn an extra amount of money every time he wins a trophy. 'La Pulga' won 14 trophies under Pep Guardiola, which saw his his income rocket to around 18 million euros per season. Sources consulted by AS confirmed the figure and revealed that when Messi is offered his new contract, which will be the sixth time he has renewed his deal with the club since 2005, he will be offered even bigger bonuses. Therefore, it will be up to Messi to see if he can overtake the amount which Anzhi offered Samuel Eto'o to swap Inter Milan for the south of Russia and, at 25 years old, become the footballer with the highest salary in the world (not including income from endorsements an ...

24 Sep 2012 20:31

Tito Vilanova has the led the first team to one of its most spectacular starts ever, with five wins out of five against Real Sociedad (5-1), Osasuna (1-2), Valencia (1-0), Getafe (1-4) and Granada (2-0). On Saturday they are away to Sevilla, and a win there would equal the club’s record start of six wins in a row. Barça got off to a six-match winning start in 2009/10, 1997/98 1990/91 and 1929/30. In all but one of those cases, they went on to win the championship. 99 point season The most recent was two years ago, the second season under Pep Guardiola and the year of the six titles. In 2009/10, Barça got off to a flying start in La Liga with wins against Sporting (3-0), Getafe (0-2), Atlético Madrid (5-2), Racing Santander (1-4), Malaga (0-2) and Almeria. In game seven they drew at Valencia (0-0), and ended the championship with a record 99 points.

21 Sep 2012 05:49

Tito not too unhappy with Barca's win Barcelona's comeback victory over Spartak Moscow in their Champions League opener on Wednesday proved Tito Vilanova was settling into the Nou Camp hot seat but not before revealing some worrying problems in defence. It needed the risky introduction of forwards Alexis Sanchez and David Villa, leaving only three at the back, and a late double from World Player of the Year Lionel Messi to finish off the Russian visitors, who had taken a 2-1 lead but Vilanova did not complain. "I'm not unhappy," Vilanova told a news conference. "We have attacked as we had to do. We have changed the way we played, we took risks and we won. "I would have preferred to have won easily, but this game will serve us all well." Pep Guardiola's former assistant has a tough act replacing a club idol who led the side to four consecutive Champions League semifinals, and two European Cup triumphs on the way to a 14-trophy haul. Vilanova was flirting with Barca's first home defeat in 17 European outing ...

21 Sep 2012 05:23

Tito Vilanova is no Pep Guardiola,his selections even confuses the players sef

20 Sep 2012 07:54

can Tito Vilanova be the perfect replacement for Pep Guardiola as Pep had been the right replacement for Frank Rijkaard to save and continue the dominance of the beautiful Tiki-taka style?

18 Sep 2012 18:20

I added a video to a playlist Pep Guardiola vs Tito Vilanova (barça football in

The 3-4-3 was the formation Pep Guardiola used as an alternative to his base system, but is New BarcelonaHead Coach Tito Vilanova going to opt for a 4-2-3-1 instead?

05 Sep 2012 22:10

Goal.com shared the following link and had this to say about it: Xavi has praised Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova after his side's strong start to their Liga season, stating that Pep Guardiola's protege "has very clear ideas." the Portuguese forward's deal will see the capital club liable to pay over 50 per cent tax on their prized asset, on top of the vast sums already paid on a fee...

05 Sep 2012 16:40

Pep Guardiola : If Tito Vilanova needs me , i'll be there to help him How Many Likes For Pep !

31 Aug 2012 10:23

who ever thought that Tito Vilanova being an assistant coach to Pep Guardiola for the past years of him being the technical handler for Barca would bench a natural left footer( Montoya) and used a typical left player( Adriano) in a game like the EL -CLASSICO it was amazing in association football and any good coach in the world will attest to that !.that is why u shouldn`t give up in life, there may be an oversight or a mistake on the part of your employee, superior, manager and etc to open your opportunity doors.So trust and believe in this world of ours .God bless u all.

30 Aug 2012 14:52

I'm not sure if you have seen youtube of Pep Guardiola vs Tito Vilanova?

Tito Vilanova takes all staff to Madrid! It's a final. And as did Pep Guardiola, Tito Vilanova Madrid has decided to take its entire staff. Just stay in Barcelona Marc Muniesa and Eric Abidal, two players who, in one case because of injury and illness in the other, can not miss a second in his recovery and is therefore better to stay in Barcelona. Thus, traveling to Madrid 25 players, 24 first team and Cristian Tello, the subsidiary. Sergi Roberto does not - who after the arrival of Alex Song seems to be fewer opportunities in the first team - but if Cuenca and Thiago Alcantara (both still without a medical discharge) or players like Fontas and Jonathan dos Santos could leave the team by Friday to march assigned to other sets. The travel plan contemplates that players will leave the Camp Nou at 10.15 h. am. The plane carrying them off to Madrid to 11 h. After arriving in Madrid, around 12 pm, the team will concentrate on the Eurostars Tower, close to the Bernabeu. The expedition will return to Barcelona i ...

26 Aug 2012 18:44

Tito Vilanova was sent off. I guess he's trying too hard showing that he's different from Pep Guardiola.

26 Aug 2012 15:58

with all my respect to whom I think is the best coach Pep Guardiola, I think its time you give credit to Tito Vilanova and put-

26 Aug 2012 11:54

Tito Vilanova takes over. we are the best team ever!

24 Aug 2012 01:02

Real Madrid and Barcelona renew their Spanish Super Cup rivalry on Thursday when Tito Vilanova faces Jose Mourinho at the Camp Nou stadium, where the two coaches famously clashed last year. Last August's match at Barcelona ended with both teams brawling on the field and Madrid coach Mourinho poking Vilanova in the eye with his finger. Barcelona won the Super Cup 5-4 on aggregate. Mourinho apologised this summer, aiming to calm tensions before his first meeting with Vilanova as a fellow Head Coach. "This isn't about Pep (Guardiola) or Tito, this is about (playing) Barca and that's how we're approaching it,'' Mourinho said on Wednesday. ''I think it's a game that will have little effect and if I could choose, I'd choose what happened last year where we lost the Super Cup and won the league. If losing is a motivation for winning the league, I'd sign off on it now.'' The match is the first of two legs. Madrid hosts the second leg at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Sept. 30. Vilanova, who was an assistant to Guar ...

22 Aug 2012 03:40

Tito Vilanova was still Pep Guardiola's Barcelona assistant when he hit the headlines last August after Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho jabbed him in the eye during a touchline scuffle in the Spanish Super Cup. Twelve months on he has replaced his good friend in the Barca hot seat and returns to face his tormentor this time as coach in the first leg of the 2012 edition at the Nou Cam...

20 Aug 2012 01:12

David Villa scored in his first competitive appearance of the year and Lionel Messi netted a brace as Barcelona claimed a convincing 5-1 victory over Real Sociedad in new coach Tito Vilanova's Primera Division debut in the Nou Camp hotseat. Villa, who missed the second half of last season and Euro 2012 after breaking his leg in December, netted after appearing as a late substitute to complete the win as Barca showed it was business as usual despite this summer's departure of record-breaking coach Pep Guardiola. Earlier, during a frenetic start which saw four goals scored in the opening 16 minutes, Barca charged into a 3-1 lead with Carles Puyol - who also missed Spain's triumphant Euro 2012 campaign through injury - notching the first. Sociedad briefly drew level when Gonzalo Castro netted but Messi then struck twice in five minutes to put the home side two goals clear. Pedro Rodriguez then added a fourth before the break before Villa climbed off the bench to also get his name on the scoresheet as Vilanov ...

13 Aug 2012 19:41

Tito Vilanova I hope has more success that Pep Guardiola, but I'll remember Pep for laying the foundations for Tito's success at Barcelona.

13 Aug 2012 11:19

Cesc Fabregas claims he never got to grips with Pep Guardiola's system in his first year at Barcelona. Let's be honest, this sounds a little bit like nonsense from the former Arsenal man though!! And if it is a real excuse, then surely Tito Vilanova's tactics are similar considering he was Guardiola's assistant?! Can any one just tell FAB to stop drinking, so he can stop saying nonsense

12 Aug 2012 07:57

To all Barcelona fans in Afghanistan! A couple of weeks ago, most eyebrows were raised when Fc Barcelona announced that the successor to Great Pep Gurardiola would be no but but our very own Tito Vilanova. Now, we see that President Rosell and his board of directors have taken this decision with aplenty of analysis and study. The new FCB manager has already landed 2 unofficial trophies (Paris & Gothenburg cups) against PSG and Manchester United and not conceded any defeat in all preseason games so far. He has not made any changes in the team that would affect the legacy Pep Guardiola left in Barca. So, to me it envisages a great future for Barcelona. Let's all hope the best for Tito and his team in the season ahead. Visca del Barca!

11 Aug 2012 13:34

Barcelona midfielder confident of impressing - Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has admitted his form faded towards the end of last season but expects both he and his club will be back with a bang. The former Arsenal man rarely completed 90 minutes for the Catalan giants in the closing stages of a campaign which saw his side fail to retain both the Champions League and Primera Division. Following Pep Guardiola's departure, Barcelona have a new man at the helm in Tito Vilanova and Fabregas is confident of an upturn in fortune

08 Aug 2012 19:13

Tito Vilanova's fashion, compared to Pep Guardiola's, is like going from Giorgio Armani to Matalan.

28 Jul 2012 23:22

Still having trouble getting used to seeing 'Tito Vilanova's team' etc. instead of Pep Guardiola!

27 Jul 2012 07:09

Just hope that Tito Vilanova is good as Pep Guardiola :')

24 Jul 2012 14:40

Barcelona fans are living the dream today - we have another story snippet for you! Tito Vilanova says Ibrahim Afellay will not be sold this summer while admitting it's a shame Lionel Messi couldn't make the journey to Germany for tonight's friendly match against Hamburg. Who thinks this is the right decision by Pep Guardiola's successor?

22 Jul 2012 20:56

can you change your avatar to Tito Vilanova's pic now that Pep Guardiola is gone?!

20 Jul 2012 05:39

If they are, this is the chance Tito Vilanova has to prove himself to be as good as Pep Guardiola

19 Jul 2012 16:44

this is proper weird. "awesome picture of Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova.

19 Jul 2012 04:27

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola predicts his side will bounce back after Real Madrid won La Liga. Barca will be coached by Tito Vilanova as Guardiola prepares to hand over the reins, but the outgoing coach says Madrid will find it very difficult to m...

18 Jul 2012 15:39

This is why they say Tito Vilanova will be a great Pep Guardiola successor in Barcelona:

18 Jul 2012 12:55

If you haven't seen this animated gif of Pep Guardiola & Tito Vilanova, welp, I feel bad for you:

18 Jul 2012 11:58

"awesome picture of Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova.

18 Jul 2012 10:48

New Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova is still coming to terms with life without Pep Guardiola but is warming to the real...

18 Jul 2012 10:36

The question is for the season, can Tito Vilanova carry on the sensational work that Pep Guardiola did at Fc Barcelona?

17 Jul 2012 23:04

Think these 2 are on the same wavelength? “awesome picture of Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova.

17 Jul 2012 22:46

There's a suspicion that Pep Guardiola didn't approve of Tito Vilanova, but life goes on at Barca, says

Pep and Tito - Those that think there will be a precipitous drop-off from Pep Guardiola to Tito Vilanova I...

17 Jul 2012 21:22

“awesome picture of Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova. WOAH.

17 Jul 2012 21:09

awesome picture of Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova.

11 Jul 2012 20:53

Real Madrid face Valencia in the opening round of the new Spanish Liga season. Barcelona, now under Tito Vilanova following Pep Guardiola's decision not to extend his contract, visit Real Sociedad. The season's first El Clasico will take place on the weekend of October 6/7 at the Nou Camp with the return at the Bernabeu scheduled for March 2/3.

Barca legend Andoni Zubizarreta feels Tito Vilanova has already played a big part in the club's success as assistant to Pep Guardiola

17 Jun 2012 12:59

Following the resignation of Former Head coach Pep Guardiola, Fc Barcelona have acquired the services of Tito Vilanova to mange the team.

16 Jun 2012 15:53

Life after Pep Guardiola has officially has begun at Barcelona after his replacement, Tito Vilanova, put pen to paper on his two-year contract with the La Liga club.

15 Jun 2012 16:04

Vilanova: Don't compare me to Guardiola After being announced as Guardiola's successor in April, Barcelona’s former assistant officially signs as club’s new permanent coach, but rejects comparisons with his predecessor ger Tito Vilanova today signed a two-year contract with the Spanish giants to formally take over from Pep Guardiola. It had been announced in April when Guardiola, who won 14 trophies with Los Cules, stepped down as Head Coach, that his assistant Vilanova would take the reins. At the Press Conference to announce his signature, Vilanova thanked his predecessor, who informed him that he was in line to succeed him as Head Coach after the Champions League defeat to Chelsea. "I thank Guardiola, my friend, he has almost been like a brother to me. It has been a privilege to be by his side for 5 years," Vilanova said to FCB Live. "After the Chelsea game, Guardiola told me he wanted to take a break and that the club would offer me the job. "First I was surprised, I didn't hear anything about it ...

15 Jun 2012 13:11

Newly-appointed Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova has, inevitably, asked people not to compare him to Pep Guardiola

14 Jun 2012 15:48

Tito Vilanova has been formally confirmed as Pep Guardiola's successor as Barcelona coach, agreeing a two-year deal with the Catalan club.

DailyPost Nigeria shared the following link: have officially confirmed that Tito Vilanova will take over from Pep Guardiola next season. “Fc Barcelona have come to an agreement with Francesc ‘Tito’ Vilanova. This season’s first team assistant manager will be the Head Coach of Fc Barcelona for two seasons, through June 30, 2014. Vilanova will sign his new contract this Friday [...]B...

13 Jun 2012 23:11

Pep Guardiola's former assistant Tito Vilanova will sign a two-year deal in June to confirm his appointment as manager.

Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova rejected a formal written offer by Chelsea to join the club with the whole staff. [MD]

11 Jun 2012 13:56

Arsenal blow as Barcelona join chase for top target.Barcelona have emerged as serious contenders to sign sought-after France star Yann M'Vila. The combative midfielder is Arsenal's main transfer target this summer and reports have suggested Arsene Wenger is closing in on the Rennes man. Suggestions M'Vila is off to Arsenal are premature, though, and Barcelona are now fully in the running to land him. M'Vila is set to miss France's clash with England in Euro 2012 on Monday and his future will be sorted after the tournament. He has told Rennes he wants to leave as he seeks a new challenge, having joined the club in 2004 as a junior. Arsenal are keen and Manchester United are also interested in the 21-year-old, although Sir Alex Ferguson has placed M'Vila further down the list of his transfer priorities. But Wenger could miss out on M'Vila if Barcelona push forward in the race to land the £25m-rated star, who has a contract at Rennes until 2015. Tito Vilanova, who has replaced Pep Guardiola as Barcelona coa ...

10 Jun 2012 17:09

On July 1st Barcelona will have a new manager replacing Pep Guardiola and he goes by the name of Tito Vilanova! I hope he's just as good!

08 Jun 2012 14:03

Marca report that Barcelona still haven't agreed a contract with Tito Vilanova to take over from Pep Guardiola.

The Catalan giants added another victory to their list last week – this time against poverty, in a charity football match in which they were divided into two teams, led by Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova. The match was in behalf of Maratón por la Pobreza (Marathon against Poverty) organized by the Catalan regional TV channel, TV3. It was a great match and the younger crowd really appreciated it, you could tell. It was a fitting climax to Barca’s season especially after the Copa del Rey victory and all the after match celebrations which took place in the Camp Nou. 14,000 people were at the palau St Jordi in Barcelona and most of them were youngsters and families. The Barcelona players, now free of all the pressure of competition, let their hair down and provided a magnificent display of good football. On one side, wearing the typical Barca claret and blue colours, there was Pinto, Xavi, Piqué, Pedro and Montoya, under the command of Tito Vilanova, with Bartra, Rodri and Espinosa on the bench. Their o ...

cant wait to watch Pep Guardiola take on Tito Vilanova in a charity game , now we shall see if Tito is as worthy as Pep . kickoff in 15mins

26 May 2012 13:32

Former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has left the door open for a move to Chelsea by saying he does not know how long he will be out of the game.

26 May 2012 10:04

Departing Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola ends with a Copa del Rey win as his team beats Atletico Madrid in the final.

25 May 2012 22:33

Tito Vilanova with Pep Guardiola on the bench. CAMPEONES!

25 May 2012 04:04

Today,we Fc Barcelona fans are bidding by to Pep Guardiola, Pep the Great, Pep the Legend as we watch our team taking on Athletico Bilbao. At the same time we are ushering in Tito Vilanova the next Barca coach. It sad that we will no longer be seeing Pep in the touchline!Pep go well the gentleman.it is the last game under Pep.